February 9, 2017

Posted on February 9, 2017

John 3:16 (NLT) — 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

I think that it is easier to give when you have at least two or more of something. If I have two shirts it is easier to give one of them away if someone else needs one. But that type of giving is giving out of abundance. It really doesn’t cost me that much. It also doesn’t really show the love of God. After all God gave when he only had one son.

This past couple of weeks Pastor Jeremy has been speaking about giving. He said a good way to tell if you have given God your heart, and you only have one, is if you are:

Giving out of obedience and faith > Malachi 3:10 (NLT) — 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

Giving according to your ability > 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NLT) — 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

Giving willingly and enthusiastically > 2 Corinthians 9:7–8 (NLT) — 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

When God gave us his son he was really giving us his heart. He gave from his ability and he gave him willingly and enthusiastically because of his great love for us. God wants your heart.

Joel 2:12 (NLT) — 12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

He wants you to give it obediently and according to your ability and you do have that ability to give it to him. He wants you to give it willingly and enthusiastically. Now that he has your heart go on an adventure and give the love of God to those around you. You could start at home and then branch out. Read yesterdays blog again if you need a reminder of what God’s love is like. If doing this doesn’t change your world it will at least change you!

1 Peter 1:22 (NLT) — 22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.